HOUSTON, Texas — It's only been nine years, which in the course of a career like Frank Cheek's probably seems like a short trip to the grocery store and back. But 100's of athletes later, Humboldt State's run to its second softball national championship stands right there among the highest moments of an esteemed 40-year career.
Cheek's Lumberjacks got it done Saturday, earning the NCAA Division II Softball Championship with a 1-0 victory over Emporia State in the event finale. The victory completed an unbeaten march through the nationals winner's bracket, and capped a 10-game winning streak that began with the Jacks emergence from the loser's bracket at the regional tournament.
"One high point isn't better than any other, but I believe in living in the present," Cheek said. "Right now, this one is best. When we won before, it was best. And I had some great wins in wrestling that were up there."
Many stars shined for the Jacks again, none brighter than senior pitcher Lizzy Prescott, named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Toiling again one night after throwing a record-setting 17-inning one-hitter, Prescott shut out the Hornets on five hits, striking out 10 and walking none.
"Why not win? Why not us?" Prescott said, following the final game of her collegiate career. "We worked just as hard and we deserved it."
Her simple approach to the game belies the complete domination that Prescott displayed while taking on the best in the country. For the week, Prescott posted a 4-0 record, pitching 41 innings and allowing only one earned run for a 0.17 earned run average. She also struck out 52 batters, while walking none.
"Seven innings, you knowm I asked my team for seven and they got it done," Prescott said. "It felt like a quick game and I was happy about that."
Prescott had help, to be sure, including heroics from Chrissy Motzny and Natalie Galletly again, both of whom were rewarded by being named to the all-tournament team. Catcher Marissa Slattery was also honored with selection.
Galletly provided the only offensive support Prescott needed with her first-inning blast. With two outs, the junior first baseman drove a Samantha Sheeley pitch over the left field fence for an opposite field home run.
Motzny came up big defensively once again, making another run-saving catch just as she did during Friday's semifinal contest. This time, Motzny raced in for a diving grab of Angela Mahan's sinking fly ball, ending the third inning and stranding a runner in scoring position.
"Natalie and Chrissy helped me out a lot," Prescott said. Thank God they were born. I tell them that all the time, too."
The big win finished the Jacks season with a 57-18 record that included the California Collegiate Athletic Association regular season championships and West Region title. After finishing off their championship week at the NCAA Division II Spring Sports Festival Closing Ceremonies, they'll make their way back to Arcata on Sunday,with an approximate 4:30 p.m. arrival at the airport.
Humboldt State 1, Emporia State 0 (May 17, 2008 at Houston, Texas)
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Humboldt State...... 100 000 0 - 1 4 1 (57-18)
Emporia State....... 000 000 0 - 0 5 0 (48-17)
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Pitchers: Humboldt State - PRESCOTT,Lizzy. Emporia State - Sheeley,S.
Win-PRESCOTT,Lizzy(48-11) Loss-Sheeley,S(31-8) T-1:33 A-623
HR HSU - GALLETLY,Natalie (12).